El Padrino in Bishop Arts to close in November

El Padrino, the 20-year-old taco stand in the Bishop Arts District, will close in November to make way for a new restaurant from Sarah Lombardi.

Juan Contreras, managing partner of El Padrino, says he hopes to find a new location in Bishop Arts.

“We’ve been there for so long that we would like to stay there, obviously, and hopefully we’ll find something,” he says.

Taco Trail reports that Sarah Lombardi, daughter of restaurateur Alberto Lombardi, is opening a new restaurant in the Oak Cliff Mercantile building. The El Padrino building will “anchor a beer garden,” for that restaurant, according to the taco blog. Sounds cool.

Contreras’ father opened El Padrino on Jefferson 22 years ago and expanded with the Bishop Arts taco stand a couple of years later. The original El Padrino enjoys a loyal following of generational customers, Contreras says.

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I think this a bit of a shame. I’m sure Lombardi’s restaurant will be great and I wish them luck, but El Padrino was a reminder of the spirit and essence of Oak Cliff, especially since it is surrounded by exciting new development in the Bishop Arts area. Like the past and the future coexisting…an eclectic mix of personality that is the epitome of Oak Cliff. I just hope El Jordan in the Bishop Arts isn’t next.

cliffer

Because the station on Zang is going to be a beer and wine store.

Downtownworker

If he can’t find a location in Bishop Arts, how about taking over the old Humble Oil Station on Zang?